Deuteronomy 28:59 - then Yahweh will make your plagues fearful, and the plagues of your offspring, even great plagues, and of long duration, and severe sicknesses, and of long duration.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 28:59" mean?
Deuteronomy 28:59 is part of a long section outlining the curses that will befall the Israelites if they disobey Yahweh. The verse you quoted specifically describes the severity and longevity of the plagues and sicknesses that will afflict them. Here's a breakdown:
"then Yahweh will make your plagues fearful": This emphasizes the terror and dread associated with the punishments. These aren't just minor inconveniences; they are designed to inspire fear and awe of Yahweh's power and justice.
"and the plagues of your offspring": This suggests the consequences of disobedience will extend beyond the current generation, impacting future generations as well. This highlights the seriousness of the covenant relationship and the far-reaching effects of sin.
"even great plagues, and of long duration": The plagues will be significant in scope and intensity ("great"), and they will persist for an extended period ("of long duration"). This suggests a prolonged period of suffering and hardship.
"and severe sicknesses, and of long duration": Similar to the plagues, the sicknesses will be debilitating and prolonged. This adds another layer of suffering and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the curses.
In essence, the verse warns of divinely inflicted punishments that are:
Severe: Causing great suffering and fear.
Prolonged: Lasting for a long time, not a quick fix.
Hereditary: Affecting not only the current generation but also their descendants.
Contextual Understanding
It's crucial to read this verse within the broader context of Deuteronomy 28. The chapter is structured as a covenant blessing and curse. Verses 1-14 describe the blessings for obedience, while verses 15-68 detail the curses for disobedience. The purpose is to emphasize the importance of fidelity to the covenant and the consequences of turning away from Yahweh.
Interpretational Considerations
Literal vs. Figurative: Interpretations vary. Some see these curses as literal prophecies of specific historical events. Others view them more figuratively, representing the general consequences of societal breakdown and moral decay that result from abandoning God's principles.
Theological Implications: The verse raises questions about divine justice and the nature of God. How do we reconcile a loving God with the infliction of such severe punishments? Different theological traditions offer different answers, often emphasizing the importance of free will, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate purpose of redemption.
Relevance Today: While the verse is specific to the Israelite covenant, it raises broader questions about the consequences of choices and the importance of living according to moral principles. Some may see parallels in societal ills and ecological problems as consequences of neglecting moral and spiritual values.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:59 is a stark warning about the severe and long-lasting consequences of disobedience to Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of the covenant relationship and the far-reaching effects of sin. It serves as a call to faithfulness and a reminder of the potential consequences of straying from God's path.
Deuteronomy 28:59 - then Yahweh will make your plagues fearful, and the plagues of your offspring, even great plagues, and of long duration, and severe sicknesses, and of long duration.
What does "Deuteronomy 28:59" mean?
Deuteronomy 28:59 is part of a long section outlining the curses that will befall the Israelites if they disobey Yahweh. The verse you quoted specifically describes the severity and longevity of the plagues and sicknesses that will afflict them. Here's a breakdown:
"then Yahweh will make your plagues fearful": This emphasizes the terror and dread associated with the punishments. These aren't just minor inconveniences; they are designed to inspire fear and awe of Yahweh's power and justice.
"and the plagues of your offspring": This suggests the consequences of disobedience will extend beyond the current generation, impacting future generations as well. This highlights the seriousness of the covenant relationship and the far-reaching effects of sin.
"even great plagues, and of long duration": The plagues will be significant in scope and intensity ("great"), and they will persist for an extended period ("of long duration"). This suggests a prolonged period of suffering and hardship.
"and severe sicknesses, and of long duration": Similar to the plagues, the sicknesses will be debilitating and prolonged. This adds another layer of suffering and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the curses.
In essence, the verse warns of divinely inflicted punishments that are:
Severe: Causing great suffering and fear.
Prolonged: Lasting for a long time, not a quick fix.
Hereditary: Affecting not only the current generation but also their descendants.
Contextual Understanding
It's crucial to read this verse within the broader context of Deuteronomy 28. The chapter is structured as a covenant blessing and curse. Verses 1-14 describe the blessings for obedience, while verses 15-68 detail the curses for disobedience. The purpose is to emphasize the importance of fidelity to the covenant and the consequences of turning away from Yahweh.
Interpretational Considerations
Literal vs. Figurative: Interpretations vary. Some see these curses as literal prophecies of specific historical events. Others view them more figuratively, representing the general consequences of societal breakdown and moral decay that result from abandoning God's principles.
Theological Implications: The verse raises questions about divine justice and the nature of God. How do we reconcile a loving God with the infliction of such severe punishments? Different theological traditions offer different answers, often emphasizing the importance of free will, divine sovereignty, and the ultimate purpose of redemption.
Relevance Today: While the verse is specific to the Israelite covenant, it raises broader questions about the consequences of choices and the importance of living according to moral principles. Some may see parallels in societal ills and ecological problems as consequences of neglecting moral and spiritual values.
In summary, Deuteronomy 28:59 is a stark warning about the severe and long-lasting consequences of disobedience to Yahweh, emphasizing the importance of the covenant relationship and the far-reaching effects of sin. It serves as a call to faithfulness and a reminder of the potential consequences of straying from God's path.